Plan B for half dome cables

[naz223]

So my father and I have been planning a backpacking trip from glacier point to the summit of half dome, there are six of us going, we hike in to Little Yosemite Valley, set up camp, do half dome on the second day, then hike back the third day. For my dad and I it will be the second time, for everyone else, the first. We had the trip planned for 6/14-6/17. it would appear the cables will probably not be up in time. there is NO WAY to change the dates. So we need a plan B. We have a site at Wawona reserved for 6/14. We need to find another 3 day trip in that area or from little Yosemite valley. any ideas?

[bill-e-g]

Uh... wha?

I never get this one. I guess people just don't realize how
spectacular the REST of the Merced River Canyon is all the
way to Merced Lake.

Pretty simple. Skip the dome... and dayhike to Merced Lake
and back on day 2.

After you do that please post what you thought.

[Wickett]

Definitely go up the Merced...

[naz223]

Do you know the distance from Little Yosemite Valley and Merced lake? It looks like a bit of a stretch to go up and back in one day.

[naz223]

Do you know the distance from Little Yosemite Valley and Merced lake? It looks like a bit of a stretch to go up and back in one day.

although, I was interested in doing that to begin with

[KC]

It's about 14 miles from Merced Lake to Happy Isles. It's doable though because it's mostly downhill. I did it a few years ago when I did Red Peak Pass (only had 5 days). It'll be a long day but nice. Some of it is what I like to think of as "annoying hiking"--hiking through sand, mud, etc. In this case, it's the sand that you'll get tired of. But it's great nevertheless.

[Wickett]

The sand isn't all stirred up by the horses yet, I was pleased on my trip last week.

[KC]

In my reply above, I forgot to note that it's actually a little farther (maybe a mile or so) to go from Merced to Glacier Point than it is Merced to Happy Isles. I started the Red Peak Pass loop at Glacier Point, but went down the John Muir Trail because I wasn't paying attention on my last day. But I was shooting for Glacier and it can be done in a day from Merced. A long day, but a day nevertheless.

[bill-e-g]

LYV to Merced Lake is 7.5 miles.

If 15 is too much then just turn around anytime.
I'd recommend at least go a little beyoned the twin bridges below Bunnell.
By then you've gone by 2 cascades. The unnamed one by
Morraine Dome and the Bunnell Cascade further upstream.
And also gone by some great granite cliffs (Bunnell) and
the "Top Hat Dome". The dome by the first cascade.

Have fun

[Pack_Envy]

I'm not exactly sure why people choose to camp at lyv when heading to Merced Lake the following day. About two easy flat miles past lyv is an awesome primitive camp site near Moraine Dome. No bear boxes but since you'll typically have a bear canister with you, you will be ok. A lot more solitude and possibly your own fire ring rather than a communal one.

Anyways last weekend we did the hike to Merced Lake for the first time and can attest to its beauty. There is a large snow field right after twin bridges but definitely doable. I would suspect with the warm weather this weekend and summer swinging into full effect that it should be gone in the next couple of weeks. When you get to the junction at Echo valley its a bit swampy and muddy for about the first quarter mile towards the lake.

[bill-e-g]

Hey Pack_Envy.

Maybe you'll get a kick outta this. Here's the spot after Twin Bridges
in April this year. There was a big avalanche right at the bridges
that was quite interesting too. Yup. I've never camped at LYV
and don't ever plan to. But... many people like being around that
many people.

[cjoz]

So my father and I have been planning a backpacking trip from glacier point to the summit of half dome, there are six of us going, we hike in to Little Yosemite Valley, set up camp, do half dome on the second day, then hike back the third day. For my dad and I it will be the second time, for everyone else, the first. We had the trip planned for 6/14-6/17. it would appear the cables will probably not be up in time. there is NO WAY to change the dates. So we need a plan B. We have a site at Wawona reserved for 6/14. We need to find another 3 day trip in that area or from little Yosemite valley. any ideas?

You're in luck. NPS site says cables will be up 6/16 (conditions permitting). Still lots of snow on the subdome, so be careful.